Cup glory for Illustrious

Illustrious Blue: Local winner

Also see

• Our racecards service
• Our results service
• Place a bet

Course specialist Illustrious Blue landed the Artemis Goodwood Cup on Thursday in a race marred by an injury to Age Of Aquarius.

The 4/6 favourite was bidding to make every yard of the running under Johnny Murtagh, before the four-year-old broke down as the field made their way down the hill into the straight.

Outsider Electrolyser (33-1) had tracked the long-time leader throughout and Phillip Robinson kicked on when handed the lead over three furlongs out, with only the eventual winner emerging from the chasing pack.

Illustrious Blue (8-1), already a six-time winner at the unique track, gradually wore down Electrolyser under Jim Crowley and got on top inside the final furlong to win going away by a length and a quarter.

Purple Moon (13-2) stayed on strongly to take third but was never able to land a blow, with the other market leader Tactic proving a disappointment.

"It's the third time he's won at Glorious Goodwood and a different trip each time, so what a star," said winning trainer William Knight. "Jim gave him a lovely ride.

Teamwork

"I regrettably should have tried him over two miles last year, but we've had a fantastic run with him and he keeps on winning for us.

"Jim has put a lot of good work in on the horse - he knows him so well. It's great teamwork from everyone at home because we're a smallish yard.

"To have a horse like this to come along makes a big difference to everybody."

A delighted Clive Cox said of the runner-up: "I'm really pleased because he has proved as good as I thought he was.

"There is more to come as he has not been scoping right and we've had to be patient to get him back.

"There are a few interesting races in France as well as over here to think about."

The stricken Age Of Aquarius was loaded into a horse ambulance and taken away to the Arundel Equine Hospital, where senior partner Dr Paul Dupreez later reported: "He is fine and is on his way home, supported by a splint and bandages.

"It is not a catastrophic injury, but there are huge doubts as to whether he will be able to get back to competitive action.

"He's a very valuable horse and I'm sure they will have plans for him."